Australia fortifies their pace attack with Harris inclusion

Australia fortifies their pace attack with Harris inclusion

Australia brought Ryan Harris into their squad for the second Test against India on Friday, adding a fourth pace option a day after bowling their way to victory in the opening match against the tourists.

The injury-prone Harris joins James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in the 12-man party for the second match in the four-Test series, which starts on Tuesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Omitting Lyon might be a gamble: Clarke

Pattinson, playing in only his third Test, edged Siddle and Hilfenhaus to Man-of-the- Match honours in Melbourne after all three played key roles with both bat and ball in the 122-run victory.

All four playing at the SCG would be quite a statement as it is a ground that has traditionally favoured spin-bowling, but skipper Michael Clarke said on Thursday that omitting Nathan Lyon might be a gamble the hosts were prepared to take.

'Ryan looks pretty good'

Uncapped all rounder Dan Christian and paceman Mitchell Starc were included in a 13-man squad for the first Test but made way for 32-year-old Harris, who has been struggling with a hip injury.

"I've seen Ryan bowl in the nets over the last few days and he looks pretty good," captain Michael Clarke said, on Thursday.

"That's probably one of the bonuses we've got at the moment, our attack is bowling really well, and we have guys like Ryan on the mend and not too far from being fully fit. I think it is a good problem to have."